Dr Oz: Game To Prevent Alzheimer’s & Dementia + Brain Health Quiz

Dr Oz: Brain HQ Game To Prevent Dementia

Dr Oz then wanted to shine a light on a new game that experts say could reduce your dementia risk by half. Best of all, you can actually play the game right there on your smart phone. Dr Gupta explained that this particular game has been studied, which makes it different than all others. The science behind the game was purchased and is now sold in an app called Brain HQ.

Max Lugavere joined the show after having tested the game for about two weeks. He explained that the user is instructed to select whether they’re seeing a car or a truck in the center of the screen, while also paying attention to a road sign in your peripherals. Essentially, you’re practicing speed training in the form of a game, which could reduce your risk of dementia.

The downside is that it costs nearly $100 a year, but the benefits are certainly there. Dr Isaacson said you could potentially get the same effect by learning to play a new instrument or speak a new language.

Dr Oz: Brain Health Quiz

Dr Oz then wanted to look at an instant brain health quiz created by AARP. The idea is that lifestyle choices can directly affect your brain health, and while this study won’t tell you if you have Alzheimer’s, it can tell you if you may have a problem and what you can do to prevent problems in the future. You can find an abbreviated version of the quiz on the next page.

1. How many days per week do you walk at least 20 minutes each time?
   1. Never
   2. 1-2 days
   3. 3-4 days
   4. 5 or more days
2. How often do you experience stress at home or work?
   1. Never
   2. Sometimes
   3. Often
   4. Constantly
3. How many servings of fish do you eat per week?
   1. 4 or more
   2. 2 or 3
   3. 1
   4. None
4. How often do you participate in group activities?
   1. Never
   2. Occasionally
   3. Often
   4. Very Often

Dr Oz: Improve Brain Health

Dr Gupta then explained that while exercise is good for your body, it’s also good for your brain. The more you walk, the healthier you’ll be. It was found that of all types of exercise, light intensity training had the most benefit for the most people in terms of reducing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dr Suzuki then explained that stress is bad for your brain and correlated with a higher risk of dementia. Just ten minute a day of meditation for eight weeks can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and improve your ability to focus and shift attention.

Max Lugavere pointed out that there’s a variety of benefits to eating fish, including nutrients like DHA that are important for learning and memory. Dr Isaacson shared that social engagement can help protect against brain aging over time.